Friday, October 31, 2014

Tim here, and Happy Halloween everyone. It's the last day of October and we still haven't gotten a theatrical trailer for The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies like we thought.TORN is reporting that November 6th may be the date. Warner Bros. will likely pair it with another big movie of theirs: Interstellar. This is a slight margin of error for PJ's earlier comments this year. We can't hold it against him as we all know delays are bound to happen. Plus today is a special day for him.

We'll keep an eye out and share it with you as soon as it hits. For the meantime enjoy dressing up as your favorite characters from your favorite 3D movies this year... Happy Halloween. And... Happy Birthday Peter Jackson!

The release of The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies arrives in theaters December 17th, 2014 in IMAX 3D, RealD 3D, HFR 3D.

Wednesday, October 29, 2014

The next DIVERGENT installment entitled THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT, has been confirmed to be in 3D and 8 interactive 3D posters have been released in the past day to publicize the movie. The posters are for the main characters namely: Caleb (Ansel Elgort), Tori (Maggie Q), Uriah (Keiynan Lonsdale), Max (Mekhi Phifer), Peter (Miles Teller), Christina (Zoë Kravitz), Four (Theo James) and Tris (Shailene Woodley).I enjoyed the first movie - better than THE HUNGER GAMES in many ways. Now that the second movie in the franchise will be 3D, it'll be all that more appealing. This genre begs for 3D and helps suspend disbelief - can't wait to see their end result.

Here's the movie's storyline:THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT raises the stakes for Tris as she searches for allies and answers in the ruins of a futuristic Chicago. Tris (Woodley) and Four (James) are now fugitives on the run, hunted by Jeanine (Winslet), the leader of the power-hungry Erudite elite. Racing against time, they must find out what Tris’s family sacrificed their lives to protect, and why the Erudite leaders will do anything to stop them. Haunted by her past choices but desperate to protect the ones she loves, Tris, with Four at her side, faces one impossible challenge after another as they unlock the truth about the past and ultimately the future of their world.

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Marvel held a fan and press day today in Hollywood and revealed their movie lineup through to 2019. On hand at the event was the ever present producer Kevin Feige, Chadwick Boseman (BLACK PANTHER), Chris Evans (CAPTAIN AMERICA) and Robert Downey Jr. (IRON MAN).

That's huge news on the casting of BLACK PANTHER! Chadwick Boseman is probably best known for playing Jackie Robinson in 42.It's significant to note that Benedict Cumberbatch was not on hand and Marvel has not yet signed him on as DOCTOR STRANGE."If it was confirmed, we would have announced it today."

Further - pay heed that THE AVENGERS 3 will be broken down into two parts - INFINITY WAR: PART 1 and PART 2 which we kinda knew already.

Jean-Pierre Jeunet (A Very Long Engagement, Amélie, Alien: Resurrection) has been selected as the recipient of the International 3D And Advanced Imaging Society's Harold Lloyd Award for "body of work and specific achievements in 3D filmmaking have advanced the motion picture art form."

Tim and I have seen snippets of his latest work THE YOUNG AND PRODIGIOUS T.S. SPIVET and it is simply gorgeous. The 3D is perfect (literally - I couldn't see anything at all wrong with it) and it truly resonates with the audience as they use proper technique after proper technique to deliver the purest form of native 3D I have ever seen.The 3D team was led by stereographer Demetri Portelli (HUGO, 47 RONIN, RESIDENT EVIL: RETRIBUTION) along with 3D Production Systems Supervisor Ben Gervais and 3D Systems Technician Brian Cassar. They worked closely with Jeunet to achieve their stunning visuals.

Helena Bonham Carter, Judy Davis and Kyle Catlett topline the cast.

The Weinstein Co. have acquired the distribution rights to the movie in North America and I hope to soon see this in theaters!

Past recipients of the Harold Lloyd Award include James Cameron, Ang Lee, Martin Scorsese and Jeffrey Katzenberg. Jeunet definitely belongs in this elite group! The award will be presented on January 28, at Warner Bros. Studios.

I'll pass on more distribution information when I get it. Check out the T.S. SPIVET's poster and trailer!

You gotta love the relationship Air New Zealand has with Peter Jackson as they have collaborated before on commercials. AirNZ wraps their planes in Hobbit characters too.And of course they need to have a Middle-earth safety video as well! So check it out below and, hey, why not entertain a trip to New Zealand? They'll get you there, and back again.

Here's the movie's storyline:From Academy Award®-winning filmmaker Peter Jackson comes THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES, the third in a trilogy of films adapting the enduringly popular masterpiece The Hobbit, by J.R.R. Tolkien.THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES brings to an epic conclusion the adventures of Bilbo Baggins, Thorin Oakenshield and the Company of Dwarves. Having reclaimed their homeland from the Dragon Smaug, the Company has unwittingly unleashed a deadly force into the world. Enraged, Smaug rains his fiery wrath down upon the defenseless men, women and children of Lake-town.Obsessed above all else with his reclaimed treasure, Thorin sacrifices friendship and honor to hoard it as Bilbo’s frantic attempts to make him see reason drive the Hobbit towards a desperate and dangerous choice. But there are even greater dangers ahead. Unseen by any but the Wizard Gandalf, the great enemy Sauron has sent forth legions of Orcs in a stealth attack upon the Lonely Mountain.As darkness converges on their escalating conflict, the races of Dwarves, Elves and Men must decide – unite or be destroyed. Bilbo finds himself fighting for his life and the lives of his friends in the epic Battle of the Five Armies, as the future of Middle-earth hangs in the balance.

THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES marches into theaters December 17 in HFR 3D, IMAX 3D, RealD 3D and flat.

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

New Line's disaster movie SAN ANDREAS has a new release date one week earlier. The Dwayne Johnson project is now slated for a late May 2015 opening.

The movie was originally slated for June 5th.

In SAN ANDREAS' new berth it will attempt the subduction of some serious competition, namely a Cameron Crowe comedy, “INSIDIOUS: CHAPTER 3”, MONSTER TRUCKS and the second frame of TOMORROWLAND which will still be red hot.Joining Johnson in the cast will be Alexandra Daddario (TEXAS CHAINSAW 3D), Carla Gugino (ALMOST HEROES 3D), Ioan Gruffudd, Will Yun Lee and Kylie Minogue.

Here's the movie's storyline:In the aftermath of a massive earthquake in California, a rescue-chopper pilot (Johnson) makes a dangerous journey across the state in order to rescue his estranged daughter.

Wednesday, October 15, 2014

Tim here, and here are yet another five more character posters for The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies. Again spread across the last few posts on The Hobbit'sOfficial Facebook Page. The images above are the new posters, and each keeps the close-up on the face of the character theme; First up Bard (Lee Evans), then Tauriel (Evangeline Lilly), followed by Thorin Oakenshield (Richard Armitage), then Thranduil (Lee Pace), and lastly Bilbo (Martin Freeman). Yes, another Bilbo poster, but this one stays in the theme of the others.

Next up we'll get posters of Merry, Pippin, and Samwise... kidding. Obviously, we've yet to get all the dwarves: Fili, Kili, Bifur, Bofur, Bombur, Ori, Nori, Dori, Oin, Gloin, Dwalin, and Balin. My, oh my, I hope I didn't leave anyone out. However, Bilbo is the last of the character posters according to the Facebook Page.And then: the theatrical trailer!

I can't say when the theatrical trailer will hit. However, it is supposed to be this month. So keep cool and we'll let you know a soon as it hits.

The release of The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies arrives in theaters December 17th, 2014 in IMAX 3D, RealD 3D, HFR 3D shot in native 3D with 3ality Technica rigs.

Thursday, October 09, 2014

Tim here, and here are three more character posters for The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies. Spread across a few posts the last few days from The Hobbit'sOfficial Facebook Page. The images above are the new posters. Each of them are close-ups on the faces of each character; First up we have Gandalf the Grey (Ian McKellan) looking off to the side with a grim expression, followed by Galadrail (Cate Blanchett) staring directly into the eyes of viewer, and finally Legalos (Orlando Bloom) poised with his bow ready to let an arrow loose.

If you go to the Official Facebook Page and comment on the latest posting of the picture you can vote who's character poster you'd like to see next. This means we're going to be getting more character posters, and it could possibly be a character poster a day until we get the theatrical trailer. The cast is that large, so it is feasible.

The release of The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies arrives in theaters December 17th, 2014 in IMAX 3D, RealD 3D, HFR 3D..

Wednesday, October 08, 2014

Our Fall Stereographer Series continues and has a great list of the world's best stereographers and technicians. Our goal is to enlighten you about the modern stereographer, his/her role in major tentpole productions, new technology and expert advice for the up and coming new generation of 3D creators. Be sure to check out all our interviews right here.Next on tap for our series is stereographer James Goldman (OZ THE GREAT AND POWERFUL, PROMETHEUS, PIRATES OF THE CARRIBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES) who is also responsible for the stereoscopic 3D in Ridley Scott's new epic EXODUS: GODS AND KINGS! This guy has his finger on the pulse of 3D and I am thrilled to have this chance to talk with him. EXODUS looks absolutely breathtaking. If you haven't seen the latest trailer - definitely check it out.Here's EXODUS' storyline:From acclaimed director Ridley Scott (Gladiator, Prometheus) comes the epic adventure "Exodus: Gods and Kings," the story of one man's daring courage to take on the might of an empire. Using state of the art visual effects and 3D immersion, Scott brings new life to the story of the defiant leader Moses (Christian Bale) as he rises up against the Egyptian Pharaoh Ramses (Joel Edgerton), setting 400,000 slaves on a monumental journey of escape from Egypt and its terrifying cycle of deadly plagues.

Thanks for taking time to talk with me James - I know you are extremely busy. How about and easy one to start: What is your favorite 3D movie and why?

James Goldman: Of course Jim, my pleasure. My favorite 3d film is Pina, the Wim Wenders film about Pina Bausch. I think that film really made a lot of people see what 3d was capable of. It took amazing spaces and filled them with objects and people to really utilize foreground, mid, and background. It played a lot with movement of foreground to background and vice versa. Not all narrative films can get away with that set up every time, but a dance film can.

Explain your thoughts on the native 3D vs. 3D conversion debate as it stands with today's technology?JG: I think the debate really boils down to money and time with the studios. If a movie has a hard release date in the near future and 3d is desired, then they shoot native because conversion adds a whole other element to the post work time needed. If time is of no concern, then it seems to fall to conversion. I have heard conflicting reports as to which is cheaper; I’m sure that has a huge part to do with the direction it goes. Very few filmmakers are up to shoot 3d because they have heard all these horror stories about the delays and how long it takes to change lenses and so on. Conversion has come a long away- Guardians of the Galaxy looked amazing in 3d compared to earlier films.

What do you make of the negative comments that Seamus McGarvey has made regarding 3D?JG: I respect Seamus McGarvey very much as a DP. His body of work speaks for itself. I know that his first experience with 3d was not a good one. He went out to test for Avengers with a camera crew that had never done 3d, a stereographer that was from the post side of things, and a package that was prepped in three days. I know this because I gave his camera crew some advice while I was prepping Prometheus in the next hallway at Panavision. I believe that, if prepped right, supported by a strong crew from camera, dit, and stereo, and given the proper tools, 3d can move almost as quickly and efficiently as a 2d film. I say almost because no matter how well prepared, you are always going to encounter issues. One rig has twice the issues as a 2d camera; that is simple math. We shot Prometheus and Exodus with five rigs in use almost constantly and in less than 90 days. I’ve worked on 2d films of the same scope that went much longer than 90 days.

How to you position China now on the world cinema stage now that they have ~20,000 3D screens in place and growing?

JG: China has a lot of people. Obviously those people want to see 3d, or the movie houses want them to see 3d. Only time will tell if that holds true. 3d made a big splash here a few years back and kind of slowed down. I know a lot of people hope it will take off over there for good. It can’t hurt 3d to have that much presence in the theatres.

What brought you to 3D in the first place? (chance, study, interest, etc)

JG: I ended up in 3d by chance first, and by study, second. I had done Alice in Wonderland as a camera assistant and was very interested in how it all worked. On Pirates of the Caribbean 4, we shot in 3d and I just paid attention to what was happening around me. Dave Drzewiecki was great to me and showed me how everything worked, along with Dave West from Pace, the best rig tech at Pace, hands down. I took over Pirates 4 in London and that was that. I did a lot of testing for Prometheus to get more comfortable with what I was doing and then it just all figured itself out. It helped to have good people around. Steve Evans on Prometheus was my right hand and very helpful in all areas.

What is your preferred set up on set? (camera, rig, lens, etc)

JG: My preferred setup is the 3ality TS-5 with Red Epic or Dragon. We have used a lot of zooms on big rigs: Angenieux zooms from 15-40, 45-120, and everything in between. Super speed prime lenses for the steadicam rig. Fiber system is a must. A SIP (Stereo Image Processor) for each rig. Fairly standard. Every rig has its own cart, then all carts hub into my main A cart so myself, or someone else, can monitor all of them as a final check.

Are there any new stereoscopic technologies coming out in the field that has your interest?

JG: There is always something new, bigger and better. Until I have seen it used and worked in the field I don’t get very caught up in it. I’ve been most happy with the wireless setups that have become available for rig and video transmission in the last few years. Small, fast, and easy to use.

When working with optics do you find there is disparity between how long it takes to make a 2D lens change verses a modern 3D set up?

JG: It definitely takes longer to make a lens change in 3d. On Exodus, we had it down to less than five minutes including setup of the rig. But that was because the stereo department and camera department worked very closely with one another. I was a camera assistant first and always try to think like that when setting up a rig. It is the camera crew that has to deal with it on a minute-by-minute basis. The more friendly the rigs are to everyone, the easier it is for everyone to help one another out when finding problems or changing configurations.

If you have worked with 3D conversions as a stereographer adviser on set, how are the general interactions with the cinematographer and director as opposed to a native 3D production?JG: Never have.

What would be your favorite shot for 3D and why?

JG: Not sure about that one. Every situation has a different approach and way to shoot it. I like to play with each shot and see what I can get out of it. I know this- my least favorite 3d shot is a tight over.

Obviously 3D has matured since the late 2000's both in technology and expertise. What credentials / experience would you mention that helps separate you from the field and brings you to the top of the industry?JG: I think what sets me apart of a lot of stereographers is my approach to shooting. I like to be on set. I like to see what is going on when cameras are being set up. It’s easier to work hand in hand with the operators to get what you want then to deal with the director or the dp for little things like moving foreground or cheating things around the edges of frames. I find it easier to go to the director and dp with over all concerns, not every little thing. I have been very fortunate with Ridley and Dariusz because they both trust me to do what looks best and are very accepting of the 3d and willing to work with it, to a certain extent.

What education would you recommend to up and coming stereographers / cinematographers in today's world?

JG: Pay attention to what others are doing. The best schooling you can get is watching films and other media to see what people are doing. A good shot will always be a good shot, 3d or not. Everything else is just practice. I started working in film because I really enjoy watching movies and was interested in how things were done. I still am.

Do you have a post-production software preference for working with the stereo images to do any fine tuning you need to do?JG: I haven’t spent much time in post; none, actually. My good friend, Gareth Daley, who worked with me on Exodus and followed the film through post, swears by RV software. Gareth swears it is the best for viewing shots in 3d and all stereo analysis. He is one of the smartest guys I know and probably has more 3d experience than any other working in film. He did all The Hobbit films as head rig tech and worked on many other 3d projects.

How important is resolution? Would more pixels be more important for stereo 3D? Higher dynamic range? HFR?JG: More resolution could always be better in some ways. With more pixels you just begin to create larger files and, until the world is showing 4k in every theatre, it’s only truly beneficial for post and visual effects. It would allow you to crop in and reframe later, as well. I’m kind of old school and like my movies to look like film, crazy idea in this day and age, I know. I still feel like the crispier the image gets the more it looks like sports on TV.

Are there any specialty filters that you find enhance the stereo images? How about specialty filters that you have found should never be used?

JG: The only real filter we use often is the quarter wave retarder. It helps to eliminate glare or polarization in one eye or both depending on the situation. When something is wet or painted with a sheen, it sometimes looks different in the reflected eye. If that can be fixed in camra and save the VFX houses from doing it than we try.

Split focus diopters are a popular tool in 2D. Do you think a director looking for an effect like that can get that in stereo 3D?

JG: I’ve never seen anyone try the diopter thing in 3d, although it sounds interesting. Not sure if the eyes could take it. I’ve always wanted to the old Martin Scorsese trick where you dolly in and zoom out only instead of zoom replace it with IO and Convergence manipulation, make the world breathe and shift planes.

Open mic: What is the biggest challenge that you'd like to openly discuss about today's 3D?

JG: I think the biggest challenge in 3d today is making good 3d movies. Often, when I go and see a 3d movie, and I see them all, it lacks good overall 3d. It seems like the 3d is just an afterthought. Working with people and hearing stories, I know that sometimes it is just that. When people go to see 3d, that’s what they are paying to see. Thank god for Marvel because they have continued to put out big movies that a lot of people see and they have continued to try and keep the 3d as big as possible. Even though its post converted, they still work to get the depth in and I think it makes a big difference with the viewers.

Open mic: What are you happiest about in the 3D field?

JG: I’m happy it’s still around. I’m not happy with things like 4DX. I’ve sat through a couple movies in that thing and it seems so gag orientated so far, much like the movie houses in the 1950’s that didn’t last.

Thanks so much again for your time for this James! I'm sure I speak for everyone in wishing the best for EXODUS at the box office and critical acclaim. I can't wait for it!Stay tuned for our next interview in the Fall Stereographer Series coming soon!

Tuesday, October 07, 2014

Tim here, and it looks like we'll be getting the next trailer for The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies soon because yesterday Peter Jackson shared a new poster on his Official Facebook Page. The image to the left is the new poster. It depicts Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman) with his sword, Sting, thrust out in front of him, and what lies behind him is the devastation of a battle with burning flags and what looks to be the ruin of Dale.

Now there's nothing that explicitly states that we're getting a new trailer soon, however due to comments earlier in the year it's more than probable. Back in July when the teaser trailer was released we had been informed that the full theatrical trailer would hit in the fall. Our belief was that it would possibly be October. With the release of this poster on Jackson's Facebook it sparks the need to pay close attention again to Jackson's page. Most of the activity since the teaser trailer debut has been with regards to The Hobbit Fan Contest. Thus, this poster is an indication that activity on the page is about to increase. And we're still early in October so it could be the end of October that we'll actually get to see the trailer released. However, we're going to keep an open eye out for you and post it hear as soon as it's available.

In the meantime enjoy this new poster. I hope it's the start of many more Character Posters that we'll be seeing leading up to the release of The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies. The movie hits theaters December 17th, 2014 in IMAX 3D, RealD 3D, HFR 3D - all shot in native 3D with 3ality Technica rigs!

Thursday, October 02, 2014

Hey everyone, Tim here with the first Teaser Trailer for the Pixar eMotion Picture Inside Out. This movie looks like it will be very interesting. From Academy Award®-winning director Pete Docter ("Monsters, Inc.," "Up") who has taken audiences to unique and imaginative places. In this Disney•Pixar original movie he will take us to the most extraordinary location of all—inside the mind.The official synopsis is as follows:

Growing up can be a bumpy road, and it's no exception for Riley, who is uprooted from her Midwest life when her father starts a new job in San Francisco. Like all of us, Riley is guided by her emotions – Joy (Amy Poehler), Fear (Bill Hader), Anger (Lewis Black), Disgust (Mindy Kaling) and Sadness (Phyllis Smith). The emotions live in Headquarters, the control center inside Riley's mind, where they help advise her through everyday life. As Riley and her emotions struggle to adjust to a new life in San Francisco, turmoil ensues in Headquarters. Although Joy, Riley's main and most important emotion, tries to keep things positive, the emotions conflict on how best to navigate a new city, house and school.

Wednesday, October 01, 2014

Wow. Impressive trailer. I'm really looking forward to seeing this movie as there are few filmmakers that can capture a true story within an epic and Ridley Scott is one. GLADIATOR is one of my all time favorites. The VFX look ultra realistic which is saying something given the subject matter. Parting water and making it look realistic is one heckuva challenge.EXODUS: GODS AND KINGS was shot in native 3D using 3ality Technica's TS-5 rigs and SIP with Red Epic cameras. This movie is going to look AMAZING. James Goldman (OZ THE GREAT AND POWERFUL, PROMETHEUS) is the stereographer.

Here's the storyline:From acclaimed director Ridley Scott (Gladiator, Prometheus) comes the epic adventure "Exodus: Gods and Kings," the story of one man's daring courage to take on the might of an empire. Using state of the art visual effects and 3D immersion, Scott brings new life to the story of the defiant leader Moses (Christian Bale) as he rises up against the Egyptian Pharaoh Ramses (Joel Edgerton), setting 400,000 slaves on a monumental journey of escape from Egypt and its terrifying cycle of deadly plagues.